Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
(Est. 1925)
~ 95
th
Year of Serving All Charlotte County
~
Offices in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
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BUSINESS ONLINE
~~~ Monday, July 13, 2020 ~~~
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- Chamber Updates
- Sustaining Partners
- Welcome New Member
- Chamber Member News
- Job Spot
- Resources
- Just For Fun
- Contact information
- Social Distancing and Safety Protocol Statement
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Wednesday - 7:15 a.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Attending will be candidates for Charlotte County Airport Authority, Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Charlotte County School Board, Charlotte County Sheriff, and Florida State Representative.
This is your opportunity to meet and chat with candidates, one-on-one, in a casual setting. All social distancing and health safety protocols will be in place.
We will see you at the Third Wednesday Coffee Candidates' Forum!
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APPLY NOW
! The 2021 Leadership Charlotte application is now available by clicking the
link
, or by calling the chamber at 941-627-2222. Leadership Charlotte is the signature program of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. For more than 30 years the program has annually assembled approximately 25 individuals who wish to increase their leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges in our community. The selected participants in Leadership Charlotte commit to attend monthly day-long sessions, as well as participate in a class project.
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TIME IS RUNNING OUT and Missing Out Would Be a Big Mistake!
As we rebound, the business pace is forecast to increase rapidly for this community. The reason is because of our outdoor activities and abundance of less crowded areas. And it HAS already begun.
This is exactly where people WANT to visit, do business, and relocate. Make sure YOUR business is primed to reach thousands in this beautiful, free, printed magazine as well as a new digital flip-magazine.
Annual ads are as low as $264 in the
2021 Community Guide and Business Directory
.
For more information, click
HERE
!
Don't miss the deadline!
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S*P*E*C*I*A*L O*F*F*E*R for the
New Teachers' Breakfast Parade:
Refer a new member- your business
and
the new business will be included and promoted as sponsoring businesses
and
attend the parade for FREE!
The annual New Teacher’s Breakfast on
Thursday, July 30
has officially been dubbed the
New Teachers' Breakfast Parade.
Chamber members can participate and attend the parade by sponsoring a new teacher for $35. Teachers will drive thru the Event Center parking lot and along the waterfront to pick up special boxed breakfasts and goody bags. They will be celebrated by their sponsoring businesses with greetings, signs, balloons and banners. If your business would like to sponsor one of the 90 new teachers for $35, and participate in the New Teachers Breakfast Parade, please contact the chamber at 941-627-2222 or jcaffee@charlottecountychamber.org. To see the flyer, click
HERE
!
Gift bag items are needed for our new teachers. Please drop off 100 of your promotional items or gifts by July 24 to the Port Charlotte office at 2702 Tamiami Trail. Let's show how much our educators are appreciated!
(Gifts/promo items only. No flyers, please.)
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The dedicated Sustaining Partner businesses provide additional support to the annual chamber budget which, in turn, provides them with additional membership benefits. This allows us to continue with increased promotion, advocacy, involvement and leadership at the local, state and federal levels as we support our businesses and the community we serve.
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(For your business to become a Sustaining Partner and enjoy special benefits, please contact Teri Ashley at 941-639-2222 or
tashley@charlottecountychamber.org
for information.)
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Rebekah J. Fero, CFP
17843 Murdock Cir., Unit 7B, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941-625-5811
Rebekah J. Fero
ferofinanciallifecoach.com
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Buffalo Graffix
is open and operating Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. We are here for all your design, printing, imprinted apparel, promo products, signs, wraps and direct mail needs. Check out our current specials on
www.buffalograffix.com
to save on the things you need to keep yourselves up and running! Call 941.625.2833 or email us at info@buffalograffix today to learn more! We hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
And it’s time for…. Storms! Remember, your tires take a beating on the hot pavement, and as they wear out, their performance can suffer. Add a heavy rainstorm, and you might find yourself in a jam. Call Ron at
Complete Auto Repair
to schedule an inspection of your tires’ condition, before that first tropical storm hits our area. We’re located at, 20120 Veterans Blvd in Port Charlotte, 941-623-2926.
Cooling Dynamics
offers new monthly service! We’re proud to be one of the few HVAC companies now offering monthly service to visit and change your air filters for you. No more climbing ladders to change your filters and no more forgetting to do it. Instead of spending $15+ a month on air filters … we will change your filters and service your A/C for $29! Start breathing the difference with cleaner/safer air, saving on your electric bill and prolonging the life of your A/C system. Click
here
for more information or call 941-416-5541.
Curry Moving & Storage, Inc.
remains open for business, but is closed to public access at this time. You may reach us by phone; 941-625-4191 or by email;
currymoving@gmail.com
. We have mini-warehouses for rent with the best price in town. In light of the challenge we are all facing, Curry Moving & Storage is taking several hygienic precautions to keep our customers and employees safe. We are currently offering all first responders one month free mini-warehouse space or lot space. Remember, He is the light in the darkness!
IWorld of Travel has been creating memories for travelers across the globe for over 50 years— in hundreds of destinations throughout Latin America, Asia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East, and Europe — operating thousands of distinctive trips each year spanning 56 countries on five continents. Join
Dancing Moon Travel's
Facebook Live at 8 pm Wednesday, July 15 to explore options.
Day's Complete Pool Care, Inc.
is a small local business striving to be reliable, honest, and dedicated. Communication is a top priority, and we are licensed, insured, and certified. As a company, we make it a point to keep up on all new changes in chemistry and industry developments. We definitely are a full service company. All you have to worry about is swimming, and we do the rest! We take pride in keeping your pool sparkling all year around. Contact us at 941-235-0375.
All
Eye Centers of Florida
locations, including the Port Charlotte office at 1940 Tamiami Trail #103 (in front of Lowe’s), are offering 30% off all additional pairs of eye wear with the purchase of one complete pair. Walk-ins and outside prescriptions welcome! Call 888.EYE.APPT (888-393-2778) for an appointment. To view all optical and Aesthetic Center specials, visit
https://www.ecof.com/resources/coupons/
.
At
Friendly Floors
, we want you to love your floors for a long time. That’s why our team listens carefully to your needs, and recommends the best options. Call us to learn more about the new “Waterproof Hardwood” floor. Yes, there is such a thing as waterproof hardwood now, and waterproof laminate too. We’ve watched videos of tractors driving over metal hardware, and these floors are unharmed, so they should be strong enough for your family! Come see all our waterproof hardwood options at our showroom at 3785 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
Packing and unpacking take more time than moving. How easy would it be if you didn't have to pack everything and then unpack it? Call Kenny
Gardiner of Gardiner & Sons Moving & Storage
for service quotes on packing, unpacking, and temporary storage services at (941) 423-5311. Save yourself time and stress on both ends. Help your friends enjoy a new life in SWFL, without having to help them unload and unpack their belongings!
Did you know 92% of consumers read online reviews? 44% say a review must be written within 1 month to be relevant. 68% say positive reviews make them trust a local business more. Are your reviews helping or hurting you? If you are not sure, contact Patti Guerzo, of
Guerzo Business Consulting
, at
patti@guerzo.com
, 312-420-0884. Now is a great time to get your review sites up to date.
Homeless Coalition
- Charlotte Idol is back! Auditions will be Friday, July 24th at 6 p.m. and streamed at
www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyHomelessCoalition
. Forty singers will compete for a chance to win cash prizes. Will you be the next Charlotte Idol? Register by emailing
CharlotteIdolHC@gmail.com
. Singers must be at least 16 years old and a $20 registration fee is required. Finals Night will be at Visani Italian Restaurant and Comedy Theatre on August 8
th
! For sponsorship information, call Darcy Woods at 941-627-4313, Ext. 134.
Independent Financial Coaching
helps clients explore options for dealing with debt. The first thing to know is there are no magic bullets or clever tricks to make it go away. People who try to sell you a process or product that will get you out of debt overnight are snake oil salesmen. They will take what limited funds you have and make a bad situation even worse. There are several strategies to dealing with debt we can discuss. Call Sue Craig at 941-916-5324 for a consultation on debt-reduction strategies.
Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project
begins on June 21
st
and runs through July 26
th
. This project
provides new, properly fitted sneakers for children in the Charlotte County Public School System (CCPS). You can make a monetary donation thorough our Kiwanis web-page (
www.pcsunrisekiwanis.org
) or donate a new pair of sneakers at one of our collection sites (
www.shoesforkidsproject.org
). Your gift means one youth will not have to wear duct tape, not have to curl their toes, not have to wear plastic bags over their socks. Helping just one changes their lives…Bless you!
Did you know that
Murdock Stones Etc.
sells industrial grade weedmat (groundcover) and weedmat pins? The weedmat comes in 12 different sizes. For the month of June, all chamber members can get $5 off any one roll of weedmat.
590 Prineville St
. in Port Charlotte (by the Sun Flea Market).
7621 Sawyer Circle
(off Gasparilla Rd. …look for the World’s Largest Mailbox).
www.murdockstonesetc.com
. 941-629-6651.
NRG Background Checks
has been supplying professional background screening services to private sector Florida employers and property managers, as well as to various Florida public agencies and occupational licensing authorities, for 26 years. We take pride in providing our clients with the highest levels of expertise, experience, efficiency, and ease, along with access to the best FCRA-compliant data sources at the most economical pricing available. For further info or to order services - please contact Doris Hebert-Ferrigno, Call: 941-488-8500; Toll-Free: 800-531-6522; Fax: 941-488-8505; Email:
nrginfo@atlantic.net
Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects, Inc.-
American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest Chapter named AIA Florida Chapter of the Year for excellence in public awareness, outreach, political effectiveness and membership development. The award is noteworthy given the component’s size and volunteer staff. The chapter includes Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades Counties. During 2019, AIA Florida Southwest increased the volume and variety of events, presentations, affiliations, competitions, and opportunities. Involvement included the Advocacy Committee, a Regional Director, a member on the Florida Building Commission, and continued national participation at the Women in Architecture Conference.
Punta Gorda
was named a winner in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest in the category of Best Small Town Food Scene (#2). A panel of experts, including editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, revealed a list of 20 nominees in the category, then gave readers four weeks to vote for their favorite. Punta Gorda is the only Florida town to make the list of towns with a population of fewer than 25,000, have big food scenes with chef-driven restaurants, local flavors and plenty of variety, especially given their small size.
Realizing Dreams-
Since reopening, Florida has become a COVID-19 hot zone. Governor DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr.Rivkees advise Floridians to wear masks in public and enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible. Let’s all wear face masks to cool off Florida as a hot zone and prevent closing businesses again. To get reusable 100% cotton face masks, email Jim Cantoni, (not the weatherman) at
jim@ccpromos.com
or call 414-367-6937. Over 3,000 in stock. $3 each 25/pack =$75. Single use face masks $1 each 50/pack=$50. Plus tax. Ask for customization and bulk discounts.
The Computer People
- Offering "no contact" service for repairs brought to me. Typically, remote/phone/email support is $45 hr. During this pandemic, services are $30 hr. Repairs brought to me are also reduced from a flat fee of $85 to $65 during the “lock down.” With almost everyone working from home, and children schooling from home, protect your computers from hackers, scammers, and other vicious activity. Office hours: Monday -Friday, 9-5 p.m. Weekends are by appointment. 941-426-3888. Y'all stay safe, wash your hands, and don't touch your face! Look forward to talking to you.
There is no better time to buy a home. Toby Lynn helps get the right mortgage program for your sister, parents, or best buddy! Toby makes the process easy from pre-qualifying to closing. Specializing in happy, smooth, and on-time closings! Call today! Toby Lynn, Branch Manager,
The Mortgage Firm
, 941-356-579 –
www.ThePerfectMortgageSolution.com
Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™
offer sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services. The all-new Tint World® Port Charlotte store is located at 2000 Tamiami Trail #217-218, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-2182. For more information, call (941) 229-6055.
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"I want to give you a special thanks for all your help, including our 'Hiring New Employees messages in your email blasts. Also, thanks for our job post on your new website. Your tools have proven very effective. We are getting some inquiries that hopefully will convert into new hires. It is a pleasure to work with you and the Chamber team! You are always so prompt to respond to the member’s requests. This is sincerely appreciated."
Doris Goodman, BrightStar Care of Venice & Port Charlotte
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Join an amazing team where caregivers are #1!
BrightStar Care
is looking for full and part-time HHAs / CNAs with a passion for care who will work under the supervision of an RN to perform care services as necessary to meet our client’s needs. Read our heartfelt reviews and see why BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte has won Best Homecare Employer for four years in a row! Weekly paycheck with 1st paycheck one week after orientation. 1:1 patient care. W2 - not a 1099. Call 941- 412-4070 or go to
brightstarcare.com/venice-port-charlotte
Home Instead Senior Care
is currently hiring full-time/part-time home health aides and CNA’s to join our CAREGiving team. Home Instead CAREGivers deliver one-on-one care to seniors in their home by providing companionship and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. We provide paid training and 24/7 support as well as offer full medical benefits. If you have a heart for seniors and are looking for a career where you truly make a difference, please call Regina at (941) 505-0450 or visit us online at
homeinstead.com/CharlotteCountyFL
Career Source of Southwest Florida
online resources include available jobs
Your
"Help Wanted"
information could be here! Please submit 90 words or less to tashley@charlottecountychamber.org.
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Resources
LOCAL-
Please
call 2-1-1
for any resource needs.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan-
ForidaDisasterLoan.org
STATE AND FEDERAL-
Florida Chamber of Commerce-
www.floridachamber.com/coronavirus
Small Business Administration-
www.sba.gov/disaste
r
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association-
https://frla.org/covid-19/
Florida Reemployment Assistance-
http://www.floridajobs.org
Florida Department of Health Data and Surveillance Dashboard-
https://fdoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8d0de33f260d444c852a615dc7837c86
Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic-
www.irs.gov
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Just for Fun
Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asked a young engineer fresh out of graduate school, "And what starting salary are you looking for?" The engineer replied, "In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?" The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?" The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it."
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Do you have news or information about YOUR business? Send it to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and we'll share it with the entire membership. Email your submission to Teri Ashley at tashley@charlottecountychamber.org. Please send 90 words or fewer, in paragraph form, by noon on Friday.
Business Online
is emailed weekly on Mondays, or Tuesday following a holiday. This is a free membership benefit! ( We do reserve the right to publish and edit any submissions.)
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Teri Ashley, Executive Director
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
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2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
941-627-2222
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311 W Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-639-2222
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Social Distancing and Health Safety Protocol Statement:
The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce requests that you kindly not attend events with a fever, any COVID-19 Symptoms, if anyone in your household has shown symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are included in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined high-risk category for COVID-19. Additionally, while we know that most are accustomed to handshakes, fist-bumps, and hugs, we ask that you refrain during this time and follow all recommended health safety protocols. Social distancing is required by anyone attending chamber events and it is recommended that face masks be worn to lessen the possible transmission of COVID-19 to others. By attending Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce events, all attendees acknowledge and assume the risk that COVID-19 is contagious and exposure may occur.
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